ADVANCING EDUCATION: DMPS Talks Closing School

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ADVANCING EDUCATION: DMPS Talks Closing School

A Des Moines middle school is applying to become part of the International Baccalaureate program, but a positive move for one school might mean the end to another.

Brody Middle School is applying to become an International Baccalaureate candidate this spring, making it the fourth middle school in Des Moines to offer the IB program.

Brody would join Goodrell, Meredith, and Merrill offering the program for students.

District Administrators say they are now considering closing Gateway Secondary School by the end of next school year.

With the availability of the IB program at Brody, Des Moines Public Schools says Gateway would not be fiscally responsible, because it would duplicate growing programs offered in the district.

Gateway was only opened in 2010. The District says its primary purpose was to provide a middle school for students from Walnut Street and Park Avenue schools, which are both IB elementary schools.

The school board will make its decision by the first of the year. If they decide to close the school, the 171 students who currently attend would have the option to enroll at the IB school of their choice.